- Must visit
National Museum Cardiff
National museum with art, natural history and geology collections, plus Impressionist works and changing exhibitions in Cathays Park.
Cheapest price on 31 Aug
£56
Average ticket price on 31 Aug
£120
Fastest journey on 31 Aug
6 h
Average journey duration on 31 Aug
6 h 14 m
Trains on 31 Aug
2
Distance
368 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Middlesbrough to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Middlesbrough to Cardiff will cost around £120 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £56.
On Mon 31 Aug, we found 2 trains from Middlesbrough to Cardiff, including 2 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 368 km distance in an average of 6 h 14 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 6 h .
The slowest trains will take 6 h 28 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.




Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Middlesbrough to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £29 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 5h 57m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £29, while a train costs an average of £119.
Distance: 368 km
| Train | Most popular Coach |
|---|---|
£119 Average Price | £29 Average Price Cheapest |
5h 57m Average total duration Fastest 5h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 24m Average total duration 8h 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
The table below shows live departures for Middlesbrough to Cardiff trains for tomorrow, Monday 31 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 5:17 Middlesbrough | 6h28 | 11:45 Cardiff | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 10:26 Middlesbrough | 6h00 | 16:26 Cardiff | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and coach prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Trains from Middlesbrough to Cardiff run on average 6 times per day, taking around 5h 27m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £63 but you can travel from only £20 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 04:08, the last at 18:26. The fastest train covers the 368 km distance in 5h 40m.
Distance 368 km |
Average train duration 5h 27m |
Cheapest ticket price £63 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 5h 40m |
First train 4:08 |
Last train 18:26 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 5 days |
Discover the best of Cardiff — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cardiff trip today.
National museum with art, natural history and geology collections, plus Impressionist works and changing exhibitions in Cathays Park.
Open-air museum of Welsh life with historic buildings, crafts, gardens and rural traditions relocated to spacious grounds west of the city.
Museum in a Victorian library celebrating Cardiff’s story through interactive displays, local history and a well-presented city timeline.
Historic shopping arcades in the city centre, prized for Victorian and Edwardian architecture, independent shops and an easy walking atmosphere.
Large central parkland behind the castle, ideal for riverside walks, gardens, woodland paths and access to key civic sights.
Revitalised waterfront district with public art, broad promenades, modern landmarks and easy walks around the former dock basin.
A hearty Welsh broth of lamb or beef with leeks, potatoes and root vegetables. It is a classic national dish closely tied to Welsh home cooking.
Traditional Welsh rarebit is toasted bread topped with a savoury cheese, ale and mustard sauce. It is a beloved pub and supper dish across Wales.
A sweet Welsh tea loaf made with dried fruit and mixed spice, usually sliced and spread with butter. It is a staple in cafés and homes.
Elegant dining room known for refined modern British cooking and polished service in central Cardiff.
Smart restaurant focused on local produce, seafood and modern British plates with a relaxed but polished atmosphere.
Stylish bistro and bar serving seasonal Welsh and British dishes, cocktails and brunch in a lively city-centre setting.
Moderate for a UK city. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local transport and casual meals stay fairly manageable for most visitors.
Service may be included in restaurants; if not, 10-12.5% is usual for good service. Round up taxi fares. Tipping in cafés is optional, usually small change or rounding up.
Official public transport app
Cardiff Central -> St Mary Street, Cardiff
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Middlesbrough to Cardiff by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Cardiff, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Middlesbrough to Cardiff trains use the Middlesbrough to Cardiff Central station pair, with some services arriving at Cathays. Use this guide to compare Middlesbrough and Cardiff train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Middlesbrough has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Middlesbrough.
Wi-Fi is available at Middlesbrough.
Ticket office support is available at Middlesbrough.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Middlesbrough: Parking, WC.
Available at Middlesbrough: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Middlesbrough: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step free access is provided from the station entrance to all platforms. Lifts are used to provide level access from the subway to both platforms, the booking hall and concourse. This station is staffed for all services. This station is Category A. Station staff can provide assistance throughout the station, and with boarding and alighting the train. Assistance can be requested in advance by contacting the TransPennine Express Assisted Travel Team on 0800 107 2149 (18001 prefix for TextRelay), Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine is located within the Booking Hall, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
South Bank is 3 km from Middlesbrough city centre. Public transport options include:
South Bank has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility and Lost and Found Office.
Food and drink options are available at South Bank.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at South Bank: Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at South Bank: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category B station, Station is unstaffed. Access for disabled passengers to platform 1 (Middlesbrough) from Normanby Road is accessible. However access to the platform 2 (Saltburn) is via a footbridge so is not suitable for wheelchair users, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Cardiff Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.
Food options include: Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen, Pret a Manger, Tesco Express
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located outside of the main entrance.
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30, Sat: 05:40 - 21:30, Sun: 07:30 - 21:30.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cardiff Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Cardiff Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Central: There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
Nearby hotels include Clayton Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff Marriott Hotel, Travelodge Cardiff Central.
Cathays has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Cathays.
Ticket office support is available at Cathays. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cathays: Parking.
Available at Cathays: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cathays: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category B3. While both platforms are step-free, there is no facility for wheelchair users, mobility scooter users or persons with reduced mobility to cross between Platform 1 and 2 due to a steep footbridge. Customers who have travelled from the Valleys and wish to access the University or the Civic Centre are advised to travel to Queen Street station, change onto a North-bound service and alight at Cathays on the return service, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) take cash, and major debit and credit cards. The machine on the Cardiff-bound platform is only available during staffing hours. The machine on the Pontypridd-bound platform is available all the time, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
Cardiff Queen Street has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Cardiff Queen Street.
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff Queen Street. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Queen Street: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machines are near the main entrance and take cash and major debit and credit cards, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
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